Yendi (NR), Sept. 1,GNA-The Northern Regional Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Reverend David Akonsi, has called on both political and religious leaders in Ghana not to encourage homosexuality but to condemn it.

He indicated that political and church leaders would be held responsible if they allow such inhuman practices to gain roots in the country adding, God created a male and female union and never male and male or female and female unions.

Rev. Akonsi made the call when he officially opened the five-day Assemblies of God Ghana Northern Region 2011 Women's Ministries Annual Retreat at Yendi in the Northern Region under the theme, 93Be filled with the Holy Spirit".

He said Assemblies of God Ghana as a church condemns homosexuality which is inhuman and any country that promotes homosexual activities is evil.

According to him, Assemblies of God in Africa has declared 10 years to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Akonsi said Assemblies of God in Africa has realized that it is departing from the ways of the Holy Spirit that is why it has declared the decade to seek the Holy Spirit. He said apart from preaching the gospel the church is also involved in developmental activities by providing schools, hospitals among others in the country.

He called on Ghanaians to pray for peaceful election in the 2012 elections and also pray for Somalia, Libya and all conflict areas in the North Africa.

Rev. Akonsi called on women to be filled with the Holy Spirit during their five-day Retreat so that they would impart positive altitude at home

He appealed to the government to take the necessary steps to curb Hepatitis 93B" which is now one of the fastest spreading infectious diseases in the country.

According to the Rev. Superintendent the theme for the retreat was backed by Acts 1:8, 93But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witness unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth".

The Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Issah Zakaria, indicated that the Government alone cannot develop this country hence the involvement of other development partners like churches. Mr. Zakaria therefore commended Assemblies of God Ghana for providing a number of projects like schools, relief items, water and sanitation for the municipality.

He announced that there is peace in Yendi as such they should celebrate their annual retreat without fear. He indicated that when Jesus Christ was on this earth, it was not only men who went to him for help but women also did and they should be more committed in order to grow spiritually. 1 Sept.11